DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO  Six of 12 new security check-in lines opened Wednesday at San Diego International Airport, with the promise of speeding up wait times for travelers in Terminal 2.

The remaining six new lines are scheduled to open Friday, said Katie Jones, an airport spokeswoman. The new security checkpoint is just west of the old one, which had six security lines and is now closed.

Jones said Wednesday morning that "people are just ecstatic" about the new checkpoint, even with only half of it open.

It features a check-in area dedicated to travelers with special needs, such as families with young children or travelers with disabilities, the spokeswoman said. It also includes two lanes for first class and priority travelers, up from one at the old checkpoint, plus dedicated space for flight crews, she said.

Travelers waited an average of between seven and 10 minutes in the new lines Wednesday morning, down from a 12-minute average in the old lines, Jones said. Initially, not all 12 security lines will be needed, she said.

The cost of the new checkpoint was not available Wednesday, Jones said.

The forced federal budget cuts that went into effect March 1 were expected to lengthen security lines, airport officials said in late February. Jones said on Wednesday that the Transportation Security Administration, whose agents screen airport travelers, had not started any worker furloughs.

Terminal 2 handles the airport's international flights and some domestic flights. It is undergoing a $1 billion expansion known as the Green Build. It calls for 10 new gates; a dual-level roadway to ease curbside traffic; curbside kiosks that will allow passengers to print boarding passes, check baggage and view gate information; and expanded dining and shopping options.

The new security checkpoint is the first piece of the expansion to open to the public.

Officials have said airport user fees, not taxpayer dollars, will pay for the project.

A grand opening of the completed terminal is scheduled for this summer.